Real Estate at Ashford University

Ashford's real estate program starts with a concerning combination: earnings that fall 12% by year four and debt levels that exceed almost every other real estate program in the country. First-year graduates earn $49,261—below both the national median ($54,665) and California's median ($51,667)—yet carry $37,312 in debt, placing this program in the 5th percentile nationally for debt burden. That means 95% of real estate programs leave students with less debt, while this one charges nearly double the national median.

The earnings trajectory makes this particularly problematic. Rather than the typical growth pattern, graduates see their income drop to $43,375 by year four, leaving them earning less than when they started. Among California's seven real estate programs, this ranks at the 40th percentile—below the state median but not the worst option. However, when you compare what students pay versus what they earn, the picture becomes stark: top programs like USC produce graduates earning $98,763, while even Cal State Northridge achieves similar outcomes to Ashford at presumably lower cost for in-state students.

For a parent weighing this investment, the math is straightforward: your child would graduate with 76% of their first year's salary in debt, then watch their earning power decline. California families have better options in-state that deliver stronger outcomes without the debt burden.